Very disturbing. Brings to mind a quote by Carl Sagan:
“Science is an attempt, largely successful, to understand the world, to get a grip on things, to get hold of ourselves, to steer a safe course. Microbiology and meteorology now explain what only a few centuries ago was considered sufficient cause to burn women to death.”
Seems pretty important for public health policies to be evidenced-based, science-based, rather than based on the “wishes” of the community.